Electrochemical detection of psychotropic substances based on DNA intercalation

Electrochemical detection of psychotropic substances based on DNA intercalation

UMO2012/07 /N/ST4/01841

Project manager: mgr inż. Joanna Jankowska-Śliwińska

Low molecular mass compounds can interact with DNA double helix in two ways, via: (1) covalent bonding and (2) physicochemical interactions. In the case of physicochemical interactions there are possible two ways of interaction: via intercalation and minor groove binding.

For the first time, the phenomena called “intercalation” was described by Lerman in 1961. Molecule of compound called intercalator consists of three condensed aromatic or heteroaromatic rings, which can insert between two stacked base pairs in double stranded DNA.

Our project is related to investigations of two groups of psychoactive drugs: phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, promethazine), and tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, doxepine, amitriptiline). All mentioned substances consist of three condensed aromatic or heteroaromatic rings, what allows interaction with DNA double helix. Moreover, described drugs are electrochemically active. These two features make mentioned substances prospective DNA intercalators, which can be electrochemically detected.

The main aim of the project is elaboration of selective electrochemical method of psychoactive substances detection based on DNA intercalation.